TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 11, 2008 - Need help getting the medicines your doctor prescribes? If you are uninsured and financially struggling, you may qualify for programs that provide free or nearly free prescription medicines. To see if you qualify, visit the Partnership for Prescription Assistance "Help Is Here Express!" Bus, which will be available on Sunday, December 14, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. outside the Cathay Bank located at 3782 Lomita Boulevard in Torrance. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for more information.

PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS REQUIRE RODENT MANAGEMENT(December 12, 2008)

On Thursday, December 18, 2008, the County of Los Angeles will begin work to control the population of California Ground Squirrels located in Torrance's Entradero Sump and Recreational Area. The County notified the City of Torrance of an over-population of Ground Squirrels, which creates an unhealthy environment. Ground Squirrels can harbor diseases harmful to humans, particularly when their populations are dense. Fleas carried by these squirrels may transmit the bubonic plague to humans, which presents a major public health concern. read more (PDF)>>

Wilson Park Batting Cages Closing for Improvements on December 1

TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 26, 2008 - With the approval of the Torrance City Council, the Torrance Community Services Department entered into an agreement with Tyler Sports, Inc. to operate and conduct improvements to the Batting Cage Facility at Charles H. Wilson Park located at 2200 Crenshaw Boulevard. Improvements entail closure of the facility starting December 1, 2008, until the targeted completion date of January 2009. read more (PDF)>>

SMOKE ADVISORY - Monday, November 17, 2008

South Coast AIr Quality Management District (AQMD) issued the folowing advisory due to the recent wildfires. Click here for detaild AQMD forecast.

WIldfires conitnue to burn in the norht San Fernando Valley, Wildfires continue to burn in the north San Fernando Valley, near Sylmar and Placerita Canyon (Sayre Fire), and in the areas of Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties near Yorba Linda, Brea, Anaheim Hills and Chino Hills (Freeway/Triangle Complex Fire). The offshore winds have diminished, but continue to bring smoke primarily across Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Air quality will reach Unhealthy levels in areas directly impacted by smoke. As the offshore flow continues to diminish and the afternoon sea-breeze starts to return to the coastal areas, recirculation of smoke may occur in the South Coast Air Basin. Areas that experience smoke may become more widespread, including areas of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. All areas of the South Coast Air Basin may experience air quality in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, or locally higher, depending on fire conditions and wind flows.

Depending on the improving fire situation, areas of direct smoke impacts and Unhealthy air quality will likely include:. the Corona/Norco Area (Forecast Area 22),. the southern portion of the Southwest San Bernardino Valley (Area 33),. the Pomona/Walnut Valley (Area 10). Orange County (Areas 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21). the San Fernando Valley (Forecast Areas 6 and 7),. portions of the San Gabriel Mountains (Area 15) that are near the Sayre Fire,. portions of the Santa Clarita Valley (Area 13). portions of the Metropolitan, Inland and Coastal areas of Los Angeles County, including (Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, and 12).

In areas directly impacted by smoke: Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors. Keep your windows and doors closed unless it is extremely hot inside. In these cases, seek alternate shelter. Run your air conditioner if you have one. Keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smokeinside.

Starting at 10:00 a.m. today, November 13, 2008, the City of Torrance is participating in the largest earthquake preparedness activity in U.S. history. The "Golden Guardian Statewide Exercise Series", is the nation's largest state-sponsored emergency preparedness exercise endeavor. The basis for this exercise is a hypothetical 7.8 magnitude earthquake along the southern San Andreas fault. Without further preparedness or mitigation, the USGS (United States Geological Survey) estimates this hypothetical earthquake would result in approximately 2,000 deaths, 50,000 injuries, $200 billion in damage, and severe, long-lasting disruption.

Consistent with the City's commitment towards emergency and disaster preparedness, the City used this opportunity to better prepare its employees for responding to a disaster through evacuation drills and a Level Three EOC (Emergency Operations Center) activation. Besides City staff, disaster service volunteer groups and various members of the Torrane community are taking this opportunty to employ their disaster preparedness plans to practice our response as a community in the event of a major disaster. For more information about the ShakOut Drill, please visit http://www.shakeout.org/. read more (PDF) >>

The CIty of Torrance Remembers Our Veterans

In honor of our nation's veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving up their lives in the fight for our freedom, Torrance City Hall will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2008. The City of Torrance has a Veterans Memorial Wall located at the corner of Torrance Boulevard and Maple Avenue where the names of Torrance residents who have died in battle are engraved in eternal remembrance and gratitude for their sacrifice. On this day, the CIty encourages everyone who visit or pass by this memorial to join the City of Torrance in honoring all who have served our country and their famiies. Let's also remember the words of former President John F. Kennedy, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 23, 2008 - During recent routine inspections of City trees, City staff discovered that many of Eucalyptus Camaldulensis (Red gum) trees that line Torrance Boulevard have grown beyond their ability to support themselves, which will require canopy reduction pruning to maintain their health. Additionally, seven out of the 131 trees also showed serious decline and weakening by decay; this results in an unfortunate but necessary trimming, removal and replacement program starting early next week. read more (PDF)>>

City of Torrance Takes Position on November 4th Ballot Measures (October 21, 2008)

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 21, 2008 - Upon reviewing the 12 State and 48 Los Angeles County measures included in the November 4th ballot, the Torrance City Council took positions on five measures that met the City's criteria for legislative review. The criteria include how measures affect local control, impact the City fiscally, and affect public safety. read more (PDF)>>

New Audible Pedestrian Signals in Torrance

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 14, 2008 - New audible pedestrian push buttons have been installed at the intersection of 231st Street and Arlington Avenue. The equipment is programmed to emit a "cuckoo" walk sound for crossing in the north/south direction and to emit a "peep-peep" walk sound for crossing in the east/west direction in order to comply with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). The CA MUTCD is a reference for determining the type and appropriate use of all traffic control devices to ensure consistency in types and applications.

When these audible pedestrian push buttons were first installed, the equipment was programmed to emit verbal "walk" and "don't walk" commands, instead of "beeps." A few days after the initial programming, the sounds were reprogrammed to comply with the CA MUTCD guidelines. At that time, residents and pedestrians were informed of the sound change. The "beep" sounds are consistent with the audible pedestrian push buttons in operation at the Caltrans-maintained intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and 230th Street, as well as other installations in the surrounding areas. Contrary to the verbal commands given only in English, the "cuckoo" and "peep-peep" sounds are universal and international sounds understood by people of all languages, presenting an important benefit to Torrance residents and visitors.

Noise Abatement Open House(October 4, 2008)

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 2, 2008 - On Saturday, October 4, 2008, the Noise Abatement Center at the Torrance Municipal Airport will be hosting an open house from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The community is encouraged to visit and see demonstrations of the Noise Abatement system and to talk with staff about the program. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, please click here.

City of Torrance Hosts Its 10th Annual Employee Variety Show Benefiting the American Cancer Society(September 27, 2008)

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 24, 2008 - The City of Torrance invites the community to the 10th Annual Employee Variety Show benefiting the American Cancer Society on Saturday, September 27, 2008, 7:00 p.m. in the James Armstrong Theatre located at 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. Tickets cost $10.00 for all ages and may be purchased at the Box Office (310) 781-7171. All proceeds go towards the fight against cancer. read more (PDF)>>

Launch of the New Torrance Events Calendar

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 24, 2008 - On September 23, 2008, the City of Torrance officially launched the new Torrance Events Calendar on the Torrance citywide website. The Torrance Events Calendar is a new service and tool to help improve the quality of life in the City of Torrance. This comprehensive calendar will provide the community and worldwide visitors with a resource for Torrance-based meetings, events, and activities. Presently, the Calendar is populated with City-hosted events, and all Torrance-based nonprofit groups and organizations are encouraged to submit information about their events for inclusion in the Calendar. With the click of a mouse, the community can now discover everything that is happening in the City of Torrance. Everyone is invited to visit the Torrance Events Calendar at www.torrnet.com/events, which is linked to the bottom of every page in the citywide website, under the heading Events Calendar, and also at the top of every page, listed inside the "Quick Links" drop down menu. For Torrance-based nonprofit groups that are interested in submitting their events for inclusion in the Calendar, please click here for information on how to submit an event. If you have any questions, please email the Calendar Administrator at TorranceCalendar@torrnet.com.

ANIMAL CONTROL SAFETY ADVISEMENT

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 10, 2008 - During business hours on September 9, 2008, the Torrance Police Department's Animal Control received four phone calls regarding two coyotes being sighted in the area of Crest Road and Highcliff Road. The animals were reportedly seen during the pre-dawn hours in the neighborhood. One caller reported that a cat had been attacked and killed.

Residents in that area need to be aware of these reports and are encouraged to keep children and pets in-doors during the early morning hours when these animals may be roaming. Any sightings should be immediately reported to the Torrance Police Department's Animal Control Office at (310) 618-3850 between 7:30 am - 5:00 pm or, after hours, to the Police Department at (310) 328-3456. In the event of an incident which may endanger public safety, the public is asked to call 911 immediately.

City of Torrance Sadly Announces the Passing of Former Torrance City Councilwoman Gene Drevno(September 2, 2008)

TORRANCE, Calif., Sept. 2, 2008 - With sadness and joyous memories, the City of Torrance announces the passing of former Councilwoman Gene Drevno on Monday, September 1, 2008 after battling cancer. Gene Drevno passed away surrounded by her nine children, grandchildren and close friends. She was 78 years old. read more (PDF)>>

City of Torrance Appoints William Racowschi as New Fire Chief (August 14, 2008)

TORRANCE, Calif. - The City of Torrance is pleased to announce the appointment of William Racowschi as its new fire chief. Since starting his career at the Torrance Fire Department in 1980, William Racowschi has risen through the ranks. He was promoted to fire engineer in 1986, and fire captain in 1992, wherein he also served as training coordinator. In 1999, Racowschi rose to battalion chief, a position he has held until his appointment as Torrance's new fire chief effective Sunday, August 17, 2008. read more (PDF)>>

TORRANCE, Calif. - The City of Torrance invites the community to join them in honoring the contributions of outgoing City Council members Gene Drevno, Paul M. Nowatka, and Hope Witkowsky at a reception on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 3:00 p.m. at the Toyota Meeting Hall in the Torrance Cultural Arts Center (3330 Civic Center Drive). read more (PDF) >>

Carpenter Wagon Program Returns to Torrance

TORRANCE, Calif., July 8, 2008 - After a three year hiatus, the City of Torrance has brought back the Carpenter Wagon Program to the youth of Torrance.

On Saturday, June 28, 2008, the brand new Carpenter Wagon arrived at El Retiro Park and had a successful turn out of 55 kids in attendance. The Carpenter Wagon program was re-established as a partnership with the Torrance Home Depot, which provided materials to enable children to create a variety of wood craft projects. The Home Depot staff also assisted participants with their wood projects.

Children ages 6-14 years of age made tool boxes, bird houses, CD cases and much more, as they learned how to properly hammer nails, sand and paint.

Carpenter Wagon Program will continue offering classes throughout July and August. Classes are limited to 20 children per class, and are offered on a first come, first served basis. Registration is taken at the park site 10 minutes prior to the start of each class with a limit of one class per person. Classes are free for all participants.

Classes will be offered on Saturdays at 12:00 - 12:50 p.m.; 1:00 - 1:50 p.m.; and 2:00 - 2:50 p.m. All locations will be in the City of Torrance. The dates and locations are as follows:

For more information, please contact John Jones at (310) 618-2937 or via email at JJones@torrnet.com.

New Cellular Phone Laws(July 1, 2008)

TORRANCE, Calif., June 12, 2008 - In September 2006, the Governor of California signed into law Senate Bill No.1613 amending the California Vehicle Code section 23123. As we approach the effective date, the City has received numerous inquiries about the new law. We've observed that many of the inquiries are as a result of misleading media coverage and biased product marketing practices.

The following information and references are derived from the amended vehicle code language:

Q: When does the new wireless telephone law take effect?

A: The new law takes effect July 1, 2008

Q: What does the new law cover?

A: The law prohibits all drivers from operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, unless that telephone is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking operation.

Q: Must I use a Bluetooth earpiece to be complaint?

A: No. Wireless telephone manufacturers offer a variety of wired and wireless earpieces that are fully complaint. Selection is a matter of personal choice. Only one earpiece can be worn while driving.

Q: Can I use my phone's speaker-phone function while driving?

A: Yes. If equipped, the speaker phone feature included with your phone or vehicle is also complaint.

Q: Can I use my telephone in an emergency if I don't have a hands-free device?

A: Yes. The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.

Q: Are the passengers in my vehicle affected by this law?

A: No. The law only applies to the person driving the motor vehicle.

Q: Does the law apply to out-of-state drivers?

A: Yes, irregardless of whether their home state has a similar law or not.

Q: Can I use my phone's push-to-talk feature while driving?

A: No. However, the law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck.

Important: In a separate action, a different law was passed prohibiting all drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone with/or without a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124). Click here for additional information.

Mayor Scotto's 2008 State of the City (May 15, 2008)

TORRANCE, Calif., May 15, 2008 - On Thursday, May 15, 2008, Mayor Frank Scotto presented his 2008 State of the City Address at the Torrance Marriott. Mayor Scotto's recorded 2008 State of the City Address will begin cablecasting on Torrance CitiCABLE Channel 3, May 28th through June 24th at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.; and June 25th through July 23rd at 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. read more (PDF)>>

Watch Mayor Scotto's 2008 State of the City below and click HERE to view a copy of the transcript.

Vaccination Clinics for Dogs and Cats

TORRANCE, Calif., May 13, 2008 - The City of Torrance Animal Control Program, in cooperation with Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital, is hosting two vaccination clinics for dogs and cats in the City Torrance. The clinics will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4th and Wednesday June 18, 2008, at the Torrance Police Department Animal Control facility. The facility is located at 2200 Jefferson Street, in the northeast corner of Wilson Park, next to the tennis courts. Click here for information.

"Click it or Ticket" Seatbelt Enforcement

TORRANCE, Calif., May 12, 2008 - The Torrance Police Department will be joining Police Departments throughout California and aggressively looking for drivers and passengers who don't buckle up during the 2008 "Click it or Ticket" seatbelt enforcement campaign, taking place May 12, 2008 through June 1, 2008. Click here for more information.

TORRANCE HONORS THE ARMED FORCES AT THE 49TH ANNUAL ARMED FORCES DAY CELEBRATION ON MAY 16-18

TORRANCE, Calif., May 8, 2008 - The City of Torrance continues its long-standing tradition on May 17, 2008 as it hosts its 49th Annual Armed Forces Day Celebration and Parade. The City, one of few cites designated by the Department of Defense, will once again honor the men and women of our nation's military with a three-day celebration beginning on Friday, May 16 continuing through Sunday, May 18 with the Parade highlight on Saturday, May 17 that will begin at 1:30 p.m. read more (PDF)>>

Torrance Seasons Calendar Correction

TORRANCE, Calif., April 29, 2008 - The Torrance Seasons Summer Calendar misprinted the location for The Laramie Project and the dates for High School Musical. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Making History - Torrance City Council to Sign "Commitment to Integrity" Statement(Apr. 8, 2008)

TORRANCE, Calif., April 7, 2008 - The Torrance City Council will make history on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. when its members sign the "Commitment to Integrity" during its regularly-scheduled City Council Meeting at the Council Chamber, 3031 Torrance Boulevard. read more (PDF) >>

Torrance City Council to Conduct Regular Meeting and a Workshop on March 18 at West High School's Library(Mar. 5, 2008)

TORRANCE, Calif., March 5, 2008 - Torrance City Council regularly-scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 will be held at the West High School Library (20401 Victor Street). The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. read more (PDF)>>

TORRANCE, Calif., February 21, 2008 - The City of Torrance announces new topic for its 2008 Students & Government Day, a program launched last year to encourage youth participation in community affairs. Selected students will participate in Students & Government Day, which will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2008. read more (PDF)>>

TORRANCE, Calif., January 31, 2008 - Torrance businesses still have time; the City of Torrance Office of Economic Development is extending the deadline for the newly established Torrance Advantage Awards (TAA) 2007. This will be the Awards competition inauguration with the intention of making it an annual event. The new deadline is Friday, February 15, 2008, 5:00 p.m. Applications are now available at www.torrnet.com/TAA.htm. read more (PDF)>>

City of Torrance Appoints John R. Jones as New Community Services Director(January 25, 2008)

TORRANCE, Calif. - With pleasure, the City of Torrance announces the appointment of John R. Jones as the new community services director effective Monday, January 28, 2008. read more (PDF)>>